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Cookie Recipes

Things you can do with Cookie Cutters


            Kids - Crafts & Education

              1.Trace around them (like a stencil) on construction paper and let toddlers decorate.
              2.Teach older children how to trace around cookie cutter shapes to make their own pictures.
              3.Let older children trace on colored construction paper, cut-out and decorate with such things as
                 sequins, pens, buttons, etc.
              4.Cut out edible play-dough in letters to help toddlers learn their A,B,C’s and let them eat their
                 creations
                 (edible play dough recipes, click on http://www.thepartyworks.com/ediblecrafts.htm  )
              5.Cut out play-dough in animal shapes to help toddlers identify them or to make a zoo.
              6.Use to make bread dough shapes (let dry and paint).
              7.Make “real” mud pies, let dry and paint them.
              8.Use to make shapes with wet sand.
              9.Use as stencils to make your own coloring pages for kids to color.
             10.BUBBLE MANIA
                 Mix together 2 C. warm water, 1/4 C. good quality dish soap (ie. - Dawn), a little food coloring or
                 paint/Kool-Aid powder, and 2 Tbsp. glycerin or corn syrup.  Use small cookie cutters to make bubbles
                 and more bubbles.  (Janine Lynn, author)
             11.Teach children about shadows and the sun's power!  This must be done on a sunny, no-wind day.
                 Carefully tape the cookie cutter (with the tape inside/underneath if possible) to a new sheet of black
                 construction paper; also tape other interesting shapes to it such as screws, washers, paper doily,
                 etc.  Set the construction paper outside in the morning, on a flat surface (uncovered patio is great or
                 lay it on a baking sheet to set on the grass).  In the late afternoon, bring it in, carefully remove all the
                 objects and tape, and voila!  This can spark discussions about the interesting shadows, the strength
                 of the sun's rays, etc.
             12.Use foil wrap around cookie cutter, leaving top open.  If the cookie cutter could go in the oven you
                 could let your children melt crayons in it and have one big crayon with many colors.  Place cookie
                 cutter on a cookie sheet lined in tin foil and put broken crayons inside a cookie cutter.  Put in 350
                 degree oven and continue to watch until all the crayons have melted into one.  Use assorted colors
                 but do NOT mix once the wax starts to melt or you’ll get an ugly color.  Remove from oven and let
                 cool.
             13.A fun way to teach children to count when all the cookie cutters are kept in a basket and presented
                 as a play toy.
             14.Let the kids play “Pretend Bakery Shop” and make/decorate cookies and cakes – give them paper
                 doilies to present their creations to pretend customers!
             15.Use as stencil to cut out shapes from colored construction paper.  Place construction paper shapes
                 on a table and let each child match the cookie cutter to them.
             16.Teach children sounds of animals using cookie cutters.  Also, for sounds of many other things, like
                 trains, airplanes, etc.
             17.Place cookie cutter in terra cotta pots, grow grass in the shape of cookie cutter, kids will have their
                 own grass pets and give it "hair cuts"
             18.Trace around cookie cutter onto sponges.  Cut the sponges out and let children use the shapes to dip
                 into finger paints and create masterpieces.   For edible finger paints, click on
                 http://www.thepartyworks.com/ediblecrafts.htm
             19.Store “plastic” cookie cutters in a low drawer in the kitchen for toddlers to play with while you are
                 preparing a meal or doing the dishes.
             20.Use plastic cookie cutters for teething rings.
             21.Have children close their eyes to use their sense of feel to describe what the cookie cutter shape is to
                 you.
             22.Use met metal cookies to make music by letting the children “clang” them together to the beat of a
                 children’s song, such as London Bridges.
             23.Use cookie cutters for counting, adding and subtracting.
             24.Teach children how to spell by using Alphabet cookie cutters to spell their name.
             25.Make your own stamp by cutting the tip of a potato off and pressing a favorite cookie cutter into it, add
                 an ink pad and stamp away.
             26.Make lacing cards for a good hand/eye coordination activity while traveling.
             27.Trace cookie cutter pattern onto cardstock, cut out pattern; punch holes around the pattern and give
                 to children to lace with shoe strings, plastic lace, yarn with tape wrapped around ends, etc.
             28.Make sunglasses.
             29.Make paper dolls – let children decorate them with a little glue and left over material, lace, buttons,
                 etc.
             30.Use to make small bean bag dolls, shapes, etc. for games, etc.
             31.Using mini cookie cutters, make game pieces out of construction paper and laminate.  Games
                 include Tic,Tac,Toe; Bingo; Monopoly, Memory, etc.
             32.Cookie Cutter Crayons  -- With this project you can make new crayons out of your old ones that have
                 been just sitting around. Your kids will think of them like new, and you can also attach them as a little
                 decoration on gift wrapping. But remember: you must have yourself or another adult monitor your
                 children if they do this because this requires the melting of the crayons' wax.  This project is rated
                 EASY to do.  Supplies:  · several old crayons; · assorted cookie cutters; · old sauce pan or tin can for
                 melting crayons; · aluminum foil.  Directions:  1. Take off the paper on the crayons and put them in an
                 old saucepan. Or put the crayons in an empty tin can and place the can in a saucepan filled with
                 water;  2. Melt the wax by turning the stove on low heat;  3. Place the cookie cutters on a sheet of
                 aluminum foil. Pour the melted wax into assorted cookie cutters. You may need to hold the cookie
                 cutters down to keep the melted crayons from running out; 4. Wait for the wax to set, then cool, and
                 pop your brand new crayons out.
             33.Soap Crayons – you’ll need cookie cutters; liquid food coloring for each color crayon; 2 Tablespoons
                 hot water; 1 cup soap flakes.  Directions:  For each color, put two tablespoons of hot water and one
                 cup of soap flakes into a bowl. Add as many drops of food coloring to the mix as you wish.  Stir the
                 soap mixture until it thickens. This takes time, so be patient.  Press spoonfuls of the first color of
                 soap into cookie cutters.  Let the soap crayons dry for one or two days. Gently bang the cookie
                 cutters to loosen the crayons.
             34.Self-hardening clay bead necklace – you’ll need mini Cookie Cutters; Paint; Beads; Nylon thread;
                 Jewelry necklace clasp finding; Toothpick; Prepare the clay according to instructions on packet. (or
                 make your own);  Use cookie cutters to cut out designs. Let the clay harden before handling and drill
                 a hole though the top with the toothpick. Let the clay pieces dry completely.  Once the pieces are
                 dried, paint any color you like.  After the paint dries you might want to spray the clay pieces with an
                 acrylic spray.  String the clay pieces with the other beads onto the thread. Tie on the jewelry clasp.
             35.Use shapes to make puppets.

Cake Decorating Uses

               1.Cut out shapes from rolled fondant.
              2.Make an imprint on a frosted cake and decorate with colored frosting in decorating
                 tips (gently make a mark in your icing as a great starting point for making unique
                 designs and to match your cake to a specific theme)
               3.Place on an unfrosted cake and sprinkle powdered sugar inside the cookie cutter -
                 gently lift off cake
               4.Lightly set cookie cutter on a frosted cake and carefully sprinkle colored sugars or
                 chocolate sprinkles - just enough to make the design - carefully and gently remove
                 from the cake and wait for the compliments to start!
               5.Cut pound cake into 1/2 inch slice and cut with cookie cutter and then ice.
               6.Wrap cookie cutter with aluminum foil, leaving top open and fill with cake batter to
                 make mini cakes.
               7.Use to imprint fondant or Marzipan with the cookie cutters for a different look.
                 Hearts look great imprinted in fondant.
               8.Cut a sponge cake or pound cake with cookies cutters to make miniature-shaped
                 cakes and decorate them by drizzling thinned icing over the tops.
               9.Dip cookie cutter in Powdered Sugar to make designs on top of an unfrosted cake,
                 such as a Chocolate Cake.
             10.Use the same cookie cutter in different sizes and after they are baked, stack them
                 up using frosting between cookies to make one BIG cookie.
             11.Design a top for a cheesecake by gently placing a cookie cutter on top, pouring
                 Jam around the outside of the cutter. Using a small spatula, spread the jam all
                 around the cheesecake top while the cookie cutter is still in place. Carefully remove
                 the cookie cutter, and a design will be left in the middle of the Jam.
             12.Use shapes to trace onto cardstock, cut-out, paint/color and use as stand-up
                 characters on your frosted cakes. Great for parties to carry out a theme, such as
                 Barnyard Animals or a Jungle party.

Holiday Uses

              1.Use to holiday cookie cutters to cut figures out of sculptors clay, let dry and paint
                 (great addition to baskets, as gifts, decorate wreaths and trees).
              2.Hang holiday cookie cutters decorated with ribbon on the tree, wreaths or walls.
              3.Tie cookie cutters together with velvet, grosgrain, or other ribbon leaving a length of
                 ribbon between each cutter and use as a Christmas tree garland.
              4.Paint holiday cookie cutters for special effects for a wreath or tree.
              5.Add holiday cookie cutter to ribbon on a wrapped package.
              6.Wrap a Christmas Tree cookie cutter filled with homemade fudge or Rice
                 Krispies/Marshmallows with cellophane and tie with a curly ribbon.
              7.Make paper ornaments or wall cut-outs for any holiday.
              8.Use cookie cutters to spray artificial snow on windows to make holiday decorations.
              9.Make cinnamon ornaments for an appreciated Christmas gift that will be used all
                 year round. Cut out dough using an apple-shaped cookie cutters, use a straw to
                 punch hole in the top of each ornament before baking them so you can tie some
                 homespun fabric or ribbon in each after they are baked. Kids love them in their
                 rooms because they smell so good, so make theirs in teddy bear or heart shapes!
                 Recipe: 1 lb jar sweetened applesauce and 8 oz cinnamon. Directions: Drain 1# jar
                 of SWEETENED applesauce overnight (you will be amazed at how much water
                 seeps out!!) Add 8 ounces of cinnamon to this and mix together well. Pat into a ball,
                 press hard to solidify and mix. Then pat out in 1 cup units onto wax paper, push to
                 1/4" thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Let dry.
             10.Trace onto construction paper or on felt to make holiday wreaths (glue to round
                 Styrofoam form or create your own wreath shape base from construction paper or
                 cardboard. Not just for Christmas, but good for any holiday, including Easter and
                 Thanksgiving.
             11.Buy two sets of holiday cookie cutters, using one set to make, then decorate a batch
                 of cookies. Wrap each of the cookies individually in plastic wrap. Tie them AND the
                 second set of cookie cutters to a wreath. Add the recipes for the cookies AND the
                 icing. An edible, usable, reusable gift. (Our reader wrote: "Better than a puppy or a
                 kitten because this is really the kind of gift that can keep on giving!"
             12.Let children make clay holiday ornaments (use straw to make hole in top before
                 drying or baking for ribbon), glue tissue to the back and decorate, signing their name
                 and date. Great gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles!
             13.Christmas Parties: Attach a small tag with a red/green ribbon with party details and
                 one of your tried and true cookie recipes to holiday cookie cutters. Arrange them all
                 in a large wooden bowl as a centerpiece, adding some touches of pine branches
                 and red glass balls. As each guest leaves the party, they can select one as a party
                 favor.
             14.Hostess a Cookie Baking Party for your friends that want to give cookies as holiday
                 presents or just for their family. Everyone comes with the ingredients for a batch of
                 cookies (amount to be determined by Hostess on invitation) and each guest is
                 responsible for making/baking/decorating these cookies. At end of party, all guests
                 trade cookies and everyone goes home with different kinds and shapes. There is a
                 family where all the ladies get together for a week to make 7,000 cookies between
                 them!
             15.Tint pancake batter to match the holiday (orange for Halloween, green for St.
                 Patrick's Day, red for Valentine's Day, etc., and pour into greased cookie cutters on
                 a hot griddle. Use tongs and caution! Decorate with mini candies, chocolate chips or
                 raisins before turning pancake over.
             16.Valentine's Day: Wrap a heart-shaped cookie cutter filled with homemade white
                 fudge and decorated with heart-shape confetti candies in cellophane and tie with a
                 curly ribbon.
             17.Any Holiday: String several (same or different designs) on twine or colored Raffia -
                 knot after the addition of each cookie cutter. (Voila! A festive garland).
             18.Dye bread to match holiday season and cut with appropriate holiday cookie cutter.
             19.Let children decorate the outside of the cookie cutter with by wrapping it with ribbon
                 then, place their photo on the inside and a ribbon loop on the top for grandparents to
                 hang it on their Christmas tree.
             20.Easter: Make Stained Glass Easter cookies by cutting cookies from a tube of
                 refrigerated sugar cookie dough which has been rolled out slightly. With a butter
                 knife, have children cut the shape of a cross out of the middle of the cookie. You can
                 also use smaller cookie cutters to cut out a variety of shapes. Place on a cookie
                 sheet and fill the cutout with any type of finely crushed clear hard candy (i.e.
                 butterscotch, root beer etc.) and bake. The results really do look like stained glass!
             21.Mother's Day: Make pins using jewelry pin backings. Use any cookie cutter shape
                 and trace pattern onto cardstock; let your child decorate; laminate. Add the jewelry
                 pin back to backside. (makes a great gift for grandparents, family, friends and
                 teachers). Variation: Attach to the bottom of the pin little metal rings or mini charms.
                 The charms can be made using the same idea above with cut-out clipart; old
                 greeting cards, etc. -- laminate; punch hole with small device like nail; attach to ring.
                 Add pretend birthstones for each child's birthday to Mom's pin.
             22.Father's Day: Children can make sturdy paperweights for Dad's desk by a filling
                 cookie cutter with a quick setting concrete mix (available at hardware stores) - use
                 an alphabet cookie cutter with the first initial of Dad's name - or make three letters to
                 spell out "D-A-D". Write a message to Dad or just sign your name. This definitely
                 requires adult supervision.
             23.Use as forms to make paper machie flowers for Mother's Day (or any other holiday
                 gift or craft).
             24.4th of July: Shred a bar of soap into a bowl; add enough warm water to make it a
                 thick mixture like Oatmeal cereal. Press this mixture into a star-shaped cookie
                 cutter, letting it dry for several days before pushing it out of the cookie cutter. Also, try
                 adding food coloring for a variety of colors.
             25.On St. Patrick's Day, use a Shamrock cookie cutter and sprinkle with edible green
                 glitter for the luck of the Irish.
             26.Make a cookie cutter part of a Halloween costume, i.e. pastry chef, baker, gourmet
                 chef, short-order cook.

Candles

              1.Use metal cookie cutter for a mold to make novelty candles (baby showers, holiday
                 gifts, party favors) to make candles. You'll need: wax for melting; colorant; scent;
                 wick; plastic plate. For these candle making supplies, check with your local craft
                 store. Directions: Melt the wax following directions (add colorant and scent too).
                 Pour just a little melted wax onto a heavy plastic plate. Allow the wax set just slightly,
                 put cutter into the wax to create a seal that will prevent the remaining wax from
                 seeping under the cutter. Add the wick and pour the wax till it almost fills the cutter.
                 Allow to set up and remove candle from cookie cutter.
               2.Pour warm scented wax onto a lined baking sheet and cut out shapes. Place wick
                 in center of cut-out wax shape, cover with second cut-out using warm wax to glue.
                 These also can be used to attach to your ribbon/bows on a gift.
               3.Make candle holders.. These can be made with clay that has to be fired, but would
                 work with an air drying clay, too. Roll a slab of clay out so it is slightly bigger than
                 you want your candleholder to be and about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into the shape you
                 desire. From about halfway up, cut out designs using cutters--the smaller the better.
                 Remove the clay that the cutter cuts out. Take slab and drape over a cardboard box
                 so that the corner of the box creases the halfway point. Allow to dry (or fire if using a
                 clay that needs firing). Paint or glaze. When finished, it will sit on its lower part and
                 the top part with the cut outs becomes the "window" for the candlelight to shine
                 through.

Clothing

               1.Use as a pattern to make novelty fabric appliqués to sew on shirts, jackets,
                 denims, visors, hats, etc.
               2.Use as patterns for quilting and other stitchery projects.
               3.Trace around cookie cutter and paint novelties on shirts, jackets, etc.
               4.Use a stencil to make felt shapes for sweatshirts.
               5.String a cookie cutter on a piece of ribbon to wear around your neck as a
                 conversation piece.

               6.Use mini cookie cutters to make earrings.
               7.Make a charm bracelet out of the mini cookie cutters.
               8.Use mini cookie cutters as a stencil to paint designs on tennis shoes.
               9.Make a cookie cutter part of a Halloween costume, i.e. pastry chef, baker, gourmet
                 chef, short-order cook.

Food Uses

              1. Use to make shaped sandwiches for brown bag lunch boxes or any meal - great for
                 finicky eaters.
              2. Make fanciful sandwich shapes for a child's birthday party.
              3. Make designer pancakes: Use to cut out novelty pancakes (a tempered copper
                 cookie cutter http://www.cakeworkscentral.com  can be used, with great caution to
                 avoid burns and should only be done by adults) as a mold right on your hot griddle.
                 Spray inside of cookie cutter before pouring batter in to them. Make a whole
                 barnyard or zoo! Decorate with marshmallows, M&M's, whipped cream (Santa's
                 beard or a snowman), etc.

              4. Use only a tempered copper cookie cutter http://www.cakeworkscentral.com  to fry
                 eggs into novelty shapes (use with great caution to avoid burns; this should only be
                 done by adults).
              5.Cut out biscuit dough.
              6.Cut out bread dough (after it has risen and kneaded lightly a second time).
              7.Cut out cracker dough for shaped crackers.
              8.Use as a mold for cheese spreads.
              9.Make cupcakes (using tempered copper cookie cutters
                 http://www.cakeworkscentral.com , surround cutter with tinfoil and fold over the edges
                 to seal in batter so it won't ooze out - put on cookie sheet lined with tinfoil).
             10.Use mini cookie cutters to cut pie dough and use on top of pie crust for decorations
                 (use a little milk to put on top of uncooked pie crust and bake pie as usual).
             11.Cut Jell-O shapes (after it has gelled in the refrigerator).
             12.Make Tea Sandwiches for a Victorian Tea.
             13.Make beautifully-shaped sandwiches for the more upscale brunch or bridal showers.
             14.Let's not forget their use in making home made chocolates either just to round things
                 off!
             15.Use to make shapes out of mashed potatoes and top off with grated cheese (kids
                 love these!)
             16.Petit-Fours (using mini cookie cutters)
             17.Make shapes out of toasted bread.
             18.Use to lightly imprint buttered toast and sprinkle cinnamon sugar inside the imprint.
             19.Use a molds to make homemade chocolates or other candies.
             20.Spread melted chocolate onto waxed paper and when cooled, use a cookie cutter to
                 make wonderful decorations for professional looking cakes.
             21.Use to cut Scones or other firm pastries.
             22.Use to make "designer" French Toast.
             23.Spray inside of cookie cutter with Pam and add Sushi Tuna. Fill until tuna reaches to
                 top of cookie cutter; carefully un-mold onto plate or on top of cooked rice.
             24.Make brownies a little thinner than usual and cut with cookie cutter when cool.
             25.Use mini cookie cutters to cut out bell peppers and decorate potato salad.
             26.Use mini cookie cutters to punch out shapes in scooped out pumpkin.
             27.Chill and slice butter into pats. Cut with mini cookie cutter and arrange on plate.
             28.Make a Flower Pot Fruit Salad by using a small clay flowerpot and place a 1-inch
                 piece of Styrofoam in the bottom of pot. Cut fruit with flower-shaped cookie cutters .
                 Stick on to bamboo skewers. Add parsley bottom of pot. Fruit needs to be 3/4 inch
                 thick slices. Use Kiwi, watermelon, apples, bananas, cantaloupe, etc.
             29.Use to make cheese slice shapes to add to crackers for an appetizer.
             30.Make mini appetizer sandwiches.
             31.Make Rice Krispies treats and when cooled, cut out with cookie cutter. Buttering the
                 inside of the cookie cutter removal of Rice Krispies easier to remove. Tip: Wet your
                 hands with cold water makes handling of the sticky gooey stuff easier).
             32.Use as a mold and fill with ground meat for fun hamburgers.
             33.Use larger cookie cutter to make an individual meatloaf for each child.
             34.Wrap cookie cutter with aluminum foil, leaving one side open. Fill with fruit juice to
                 make Popsicles.
             35.Wrap cookie cutter with aluminum foil, leaving one side open and make candies by
                 melting hard candy (i.e. Jolly Ranchers) inside them. When removed from the oven
                 and cooled, pop them out.
             36.An original breakfast: Use to make Breakfast Buddies, sort of a take off on
                 McMuffin… Make fried eggs using cookie cutters. Try your best to cut the same
                 shapes out of breakfast sausage patties and cook them. Cut shapes out of store
                 bought biscuits and split them open. Then… assemble the sandwiches with the
                 biscuits, sausage & egg and heat them in the oven until the biscuits are golden brown
                 and warm. Garnish the Breakfast Buddies with jelly and fruit and enjoy a fun
                 breakfast!
             37.Cut out designs in apples or melons.
             38.Purchase ice cream in rectangle containers; cut into ½-inch to 1-inch slices; use
                 cookie cutters to make ice cream shapes. Drizzle chocolate for design, sprinkles to
                 decorate, whipped cream, too.

Gift Ideas

               1.Place a heart-shaped candle holder (glass or tin) inside a cookie cutter (such as a
                 teddy bear) and fill with potpourri. Wrap in cellophane and tie with curly ribbon.
                 Makes a wonderful and appreciated gift for the top of a dresser or nightstand.
               2.Add to flower arrangements (baby rattle cookie cutter for new babies, for example).
               3.Attach to a decorative ribbon on a wrapped package for birthdays, holidays,
                 showers, all special occasions as a little something extra - children especially enjoy
                 this!
               4.Use as a stencil to make gift tags.
               5.Use book, apple, etc. cookie cutters to create a teacher's Collage Mat Frame.
               6.Paint jars, use Gingerbread cookie cutter to trace and cut out of cardstock and print
                 gingerbread cookie recipe on it. Mix up a batch of the dry ingredients for
                 gingerbread cookies and place inside jar, closing top tightly. Add recipe card and
                 gingerbread cookie cutter on some Jute or curly ribbon, wrapping it around the lip of
                 the jar. (This idea can be used to make mini jar party favors).
               7.Wrap a cookie cutter filled with homemade fudge or Rice Krispies/Marshmallows
                 with cellophane and curly ribbon for party favors and memorable gifts.
               8.Make fudge on a cookie sheet and use cookie cutter to make fun shaped candies.
               9.Use as a template for picture frames using recycled paper.
             10.Use to sponge and decoupage on flower pots, cookie jars, etc.
             11.Give as napkin rings with a set of napkins for a bridal shower.
             12.Cut out squares of carpet, paint both sides, making them different colors, and make
                 a mobile for a baby's crib.
             13.Use cookie cutters to make trinket boxes by tracing the inside of the cutter for the
                 bottom on stiff cardboard or poster board, adding a strip of the same cardboard
                 about 2" wide around the edges. Then trace the outside of the cutter adding a strip
                 about 1" wide to make the lid. Cover with fabric and/or add appliqués, sequins,
                 beads, glitter, etc.
             14.Bird Treats -- cut out shapes from bread and hang by strings in the trees.
             15.Cut out shapes using Fimo modeling material.
             16.Use as a stencil on wood to cut-out and paint.
             17.Use as a mold for cinnamon dough to make refrigerator magnets.
             18.Cut out shapes from clay to make a wind chime. (Get the pieces fired at a
                 by-the-hour ceramics shop).
             19.Cut out ceramic shapes and turn the edges up to make candy dishes. (Fire and
                 glaze).
             20.Cut our ceramic shapes to make Christmas tree ornaments. (Fire and glaze).
             21.Use mini cookie cutter wrapped in red silk ribbon, add a sprig of holly and a bow to
                 make a holiday pin to wear on your winter coat.
             22.Thank You or Christmas gifts children can make for their teachers: Using holiday
                 cutters, help children make some homemade gifts for their teachers. Place the
                 cookie cutters as flat as you can get them on parchment paper. Melt some white
                 chocolate and pour them into the cutters. Working quickly, add festive sprinkles or
                 M&M's to the melted chocolate in each cookie cutter. Once the chocolate hardens
                 (about 5 minutes?), cut off any extra chocolate that may have oozed out the bottom.
                 Place your creation in a clear cellophane bag, tie it up with a bow and add a
                 homemade gift tag you child has created and written to the teacher.
             23.Make felt cut-out drink coasters.
             24.the two halves of the two candles together. Let cool completely candles. Without
                 wicks, you have scented wax potpourri shapes.
             25.Use to make Salt Dough figures.

Gift Wrapping

               1.Use cookie cutter to trace designs onto gift bags.
               2.Trace designs onto Butcher paper or brown wrapping paper using colored
                 marking pen(s).
               3.Trace designs onto colored foil paper, construction paper, tissue paper - cut out
                 and glue to gift bags.
               4.Gentle press a cookie cutter into a stamp pad and stamp plain gift wrapping
                 paper.
               5.Make Gift Tags.

Greeting Cards

               1.Use as templates to cut out paper shapes for children to make personalized cards
                 and works of art (grandparents and relatives love to receive these).
               2.Use to make birthday, anniversary and all other special occasions cards. Layer
                 various colors together.
               3.Use mini cookie cutters to make borders around stationary, recipe cards, etc.
               4.Use as stencil to cut shapes out of felt and glue to card stock.
               5.Use as a stencil to make "shaped" stationary, such as teddy bears or flowers.
               6.Make hand-made cards with a "window insert". Using card stock, create the card
                 shape of your choice. Print up or color as you wish. Use the cookie cutter as a
                 template on front page of card and cut that shape out. This creates a window that
                 lets you see a portion of the second page of the card.

Home Decor

              1.Adorn/accent kitchen walls (just one or make a display to match your kitchen theme)
                 to give a natural country cinnamon 'n apple mood.
              2.Use a large Mason Jar or clear Cookie Jar all year round to display the different
                 cookie cutters for the season. Tie Raffia around jar to create a country kitchen
                 effect.
              3.Use for sponging and decoupage on walls.
              4.Use a stencils to decorate around windows and doorways instead of buying
                 expensive wallpaper borders.
              5.Use a variety of stencils from one theme (zoo or barnyard, ie) and make a mural on
                 a kid's bedroom wall.
              6.Cut out squares of carpet, paint one side and use to decorate nursery walls or kid's
                 rooms.
              7.Using different shapes, sizes, styles, tie onto different lengths of nylon wire and
                 make a weatherproof, shiny, tingling wind chime. An idea: Graduate size of cookie
                 cutters, from large at top to mini at the bottom. Use all different kinds or put some
                 together to carry a related theme. For example, an animal theme, star theme
                 (different sizes), sports theme, holidays, babies, etc.
              8.Use clear fishing line and tie on a cookie cutter to each piece (12" lengths or as
                 desired), especially older unique cookie cutters to create a mobile to hang from the
                 kitchen ceiling!
              9.Use as a stencil to make felt shapes for a mobile or decorate walls of kids rooms.
             10.Display cookie cutters in a basket, with the basket hanging on a peg shelf in the
                 kitchen.
             11.Tie backs for kitchen or children's bedroom curtains.
             12.Place one or two cookie cutters on a ribbon and hang from a kitchen window.
             13.String a bunch of cookie cutters onto a decorated metal hanger for an easy and
                 quick project to make wind chimes.
             14.Decorate cookie cutter with colored tissue paper, colored plastic wrap, or some
                 similar transparent or semi-transparent substance and hang up as a sun catcher in
                 a window in any room of the house.
             15.Fill a cookie cutter with colored beans, seeds, or beads, and seal it well with clear
                 or tinted plastic wrap. These can be hung up as a kitchen decoration. If filled with
                 clear colored plastic beads, cookie cutter makes a nice sun catcher if hung in a
                 window.
             16.Cookie cutters are great for decorating kitchen and children's room floors - use a
                 stencil and get permanent paint to fill in with details.
             17.Make pathways or decorate flower bed trims by filling cookie cutters with a quick
                 setting concrete mix (available at hardware stores).
             18.Hammer nails into an old cutting board and hang cookie cutters from it, changing
                 the cookie cutter shapes seasonally - accent with dried Cinnamon apples and/or
                 flowers.
             19.Use cookie cutter as a stencil or fill with Plaster of Paris to paint or decoupage and
                 place on shelves in any room of the house.
             20.Use mini cookie cutters as a pull tag on a window shade.
             21.Use cookie cutters on the end of drapery or curtain rods.
             22.Place a cookie cutter on a pretty plate, place a color votive candle in middle and put
                 some "wet" potpourri around base for a country kitchen.
             23.If you are fortunate to have your Grandmother's cookie cutters from era gone by,
                 display, display, display!
             24.Make "stained glass" sun catchers by using gelatin to create a sort of "plastic.
                 Ingredients:
                 3 Envelopes Unflavored Gelatin (or if your a vegetarian, the gelatin substitute); 8-10
                 Tablespoons Water; several Drops of Food Coloring; plastic plate and something
                 for punching hanging holes. Directions: Mix the water and food coloring over low
                 heat. Add gelatin and stir continuously. Cook until thickened (30 seconds-a minute).
                 Pour the mixture onto a plastic plate, remove as many air bubbles as possible. Let it
                 set for 45 minutes-hour. Remove from plate. The gelatin will be flexible. Use cookie
                 cutters to cut shapes. Punch holes where you would like to hang them from. Let
                 them sit out and continue to air dry--they'll be in 2-3 days and can then be strung up
                 to dangle where the sun will shine through them.
             25.Make "three-dimensional" tiles. Using clay, roll a 1/4 inch slab. Cut 4x4 (or any size
                 and shape you choose) squares. From the same slab or a new one, cut shapes with
                 cookie cutters. Rough up the back of the cutter cut clay and the front of the tile clay
                 (only where the design will go though). Using a little slip (water/clay mixture) adhere
                 the two together. Allow to air dry or fire if needed. Paint or glaze.
             26.Mini cookie cutter shapes as drawer or cabinet pulls.

Parties

              1.Use them as balloon weights.
              2.Use as a stencil on colored cardstock to make name tags .
              3.Make paper ornaments and wall cut-outs to match any party or shower theme.
              4.Use to draw patterns for kids to color and have fun as a party activity.
              5.Use a napkin rings (and let the guests take them home as party favors).
              6.Cookie cutters can be useful as place cards. Attach a piece of paper to the back of
                 the cookie cutter and write the guest's name on the paper. Place the cookie cutter
                 with the name beside or on top of the plate.
              7.Wrap cookie cutter with aluminum foil, leaving top open and fill with cake batter to
                 make mini cakes and let the guests decorate their own special cakes by providing
                 frosting, sprinkles, chocolate chips, mini candies, etc.
              8.Use cookie cutter to stencil designs on cloth napkins, for holidays or birthdays - add
                 date and let the guests take their napkin home as a party favor.
              9.For a little girl's tea party or baby shower, tie cookie cutters together with velvet,
                 grosgrain, or other ribbon leaving a length of ribbon between each cutter, tying them
                 individually to a small tree (which requires fewer cookie cutters).
             10.Finger sandwiches - cut bread first and then fill with egg salad, tuna salad, chicken
                 salad, etc. Depending on party theme or holiday, dye the bread to match. For
                 example, on Easter, dye the bread pink, blue, and yellow using an egg cookie cutter
                 for egg salad sandwiches; a chicken cookie cutter for chicken salad sandwiches,
                 etc. At Christmas, dye the bread green and use tree shape cookie cutters for a
                 festive look!
             11.Use to anchor down a bouquet of helium-filled balloons or a single helium balloon.
             12.For a Bridal Shower, ask each guest to bring one or two cookie cutters and tie with
                 ribbons to the limbs of a small tree centerpiece. The string of cookie cutters is then
                 given to the bride or mother-to-be as a gift!
             13.Variation of the above for Baby Showers: Make two, one for each
                 Grandmother-to-Be!
             14.Fill cookie cutter with broken clear hard candy and bake until the candy fuses
                 together into little "stained glass windows" Hang up like a chandelier for a birthday
                 party or give as party favors.
             15.Tape cardboard to the back of a cookie cutter to match decorations, fill with small
                 candies (ie, M&M's) and wrap the whole thing with colored Saran Wrap as party
                 favors.
             16.Make a centerpiece floral arrangement by inserting a dowel into the center of a pot
                 like a topiary and add cookie cutters.
             17.Treasure Stones: Treasure Stones
                 1 cup flour One cup used coffee grindso1/2 cup salto1/4 cup sand orTempera paint
                 or food coloring. 1) In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients into a dough;
                 2) Remove the dough form and knead it on a floured surface. Press dough into
                 molds to shape; 3) Hide toys and surprises in the center of the dough, and then
                 allow dough to dry in a warm place for 2-3 days; 4) When dry, the dough will look
                 and feel like a rock. Break open the rock with a small hammer to reveal treasures.
             18.Lollipop People: You'll need craft sticks, leftover felt, round or any two-inch cookie
                 cutter shape, glue, pencil, scissors, cardboard and photos of children and mothers.
                 Here's what to do:
                 Use cookie cutter as the pattern, trace on to the cardboard and cut out six shapes.
                 (An old cereal box or gift box works great!). Glue the cardboard circles to your
                 leftover felt scraps. Cut out the felt circles and glue a craft stick to the back of each
                 one. Cut out the pictures to place a face on each lollipop.
             19.Ladies Brunch party favors: Using a hot glue gun, attach 1/4" wide picot ribbon bow
                 with a loop at the top of each cookie cutter (for hanging) and matching silk rose bud
                 with leaves in the center of the bow. To use the cookie cutter, simply remove the
                 bow/flower because it will come cleanly off the cutter.
             20.Make watercolor decorations. Using 140 lb. watercolor paper, at least a red, blue
                 and yellow watercolor, and an artist's quality brush (1 inch flat is best) flood the
                 paper with juicy washes of color. Throw on salt or plastic wrap and allow to air dry
                 (colors always dry lighter than they appear wet). Use cookie cutters as a template to
                 cut out shapes. Punch a hole in the top for hanging. Seal with a coat of gloss varnish
                 (found in the paint area of your local hobby store).
 

            Health

               1.Cookie cutters are great strengthening backs. Just be sure to store them on a
                 lower, easily accessible drawer and to bend over to pick them up each time a
                 crawling infant or creative toddler drags them out and drops them.
             2.Use them as templates for make felt catnip toys for your cat or kittens.

Pets

              1.Use cookie cutters to make treats for your dog - do NOT use regular cookie
                 recipes… special dog bone recipe

                                           Dog Bone Treats

                                           Prep Time:  5 minutes
                                           Chill Time:  1 hour, or overnight
                                           Bake Time:  15 minutes per batch
                                           Yield:  Eighteen 3-1/2" cookies and eleven 2-1/2" cookies

                                           1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese at room temperature
                                           1/2 cup butter at room temperature
                                           1/4 cup sugar
                                           1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
                                           1 cup all-purpose flour
                                           3 to 4 tbs honey-crunch wheat germ

                                           Directions:

                                           In a large bowl with electric mixer on medium, beat cream cheese and butter until
                                           smooth, about 1 minute.  Beat in sugar and vanilla.  Mix in flour on low speed just
                                           until blended.

                                           Shape dough into slightly flattened round.  cover in plastic wrap and chill it until
                                           firm, about 1 hour or overnight.  (can be prepared two days ahead.  Let soften
                                           slightly at room temperature before continuing)

                                           Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Roll dough to about 3/8" thick (about a 10" circle)
                                           between two pieces of waxed paper.  Sprinkle circle with about 2 tbs. of wheat
                                           germ, and with rolling pin, lightly press into dough.  With 2-1/2" and 3-1/2" dog
                                           bone-shapped cookie cutters, cut dough into bones, rerolling scraps and rechilling
                                           dough as needed.  (If dough has softened and cookies are too difficult to handle,
                                           freeze briefly until firm.)  With spatula, transger all large bone cookies onto an
                                           ungreased baking sheet, placing 1" apart, and all small bone cookies onto a
                                           different baking sheet.  Sprinkle cookies with remaining wheat germ; press into
                                           dough with fingertips.  Chill in freezer 10 minutes.

                                           Bake small cookies 11 to 12 minutes and larger cookies 13 to 15 minutes, until
                                           golden brown.  Remove cookies to wire racks and cool completely...
 

Scrapbooking Ideas

               1.Use for patterns to make memory scrapbooks (use cookie cutters according to the
                  theme of the page to outline shapes around the photos. Cut the picture carefully
                  and add it to the memory page.
               2.Use as stencils to make a photo collage page.

            Check out the other categories for more things to make to add to your scrapbook.

Soap Ideas

               1.Make novelty kid-shaped soaps with any shaped cookie cutter. You'll need: "melt
                 and pour" soap base (clear or opaque); colorant; scent; plastic plate. Soap-making
                 supplies can be found at your local craft store. Directions: Melt some "melt and
                 pour" soap (adding the colorants and scent) following the directions for M&P soap).
                 Pour a little of this on a plastic plate and put cutter in to form a seal. After it sets up
                 a bit, pour the rest of the soap in to fill the cutter. For a fancy look, you can layer the
                colors by pouring one color in, allowing it to set up just a bit, spritz or light mist of
                 rubbing alcohol, then add the next color. Do as many layers as you want this way.
                 After the soap hardens, it is ready for use as is, or you can use this shape and
                 embed it in a clear bar of "Melt and Pour soap".
               2.Using metal cookie cutters to make soap: Kitchen supplies and plain, clear soap
                 are all you need to make luminous bars of soap. They can be any color you like.
                 colors can also be layered in one bar... natural additions make unusual, beautiful
                 soaps. Try poppy seeds a spiral of citrus peel oatmeal, fragrant dried herbs, or a
                 fernsprig. Directions: 1. Chop bars of unscented glycerin soap (Pure Pleasure
                 works well) to yield 2 cups of one half inch chunks. Melt soap in a double boiler or
                 microwave on high for one minute until melted completely. Skim froth from
                 top. Mix in tiny amounts of liquid food coloring. Blend colors as desired. For
                 scented soap add essential oils- natural scented oils the essence of the plant from
                 which they are derived. Can be found in specialty bath and beauty shops; 2. Brush
                 chosen mold with more essential oil or with vegetable oil. Pour melted soap into
                 mold and let stand until hardened, about 2 hours. To make layers, pour one colored
                 soap into a mold and let it harden for about 20 minutes. Skim off any bubbles and
                 pour another layer into the mold and let stand until hardened. The natural additions
                 can be mixed into the melted soap or placed on top of one layer before adding
                 another; 3. Push the soap out the plastic mold and tap the bottom.
               3.Use metal cookie cutter for a mold to make novelty soaps (baby showers, holiday
                 gifts, party favors)

Stamping

               1.Apply paint to more detailed cutters and use them like stamps for scrapbooks
                  and stationary.

Miscellaneous

            YES... you can even make cookies!

            DECORATING BAKED COOKIES:

              1.Color baked cookies with Edible Marking Pens
                 http://www.thepartyworks.com/ediblemarkers.htm  for invitations or use as a party
                 activity letting kids/guests decorate their own.
              2.Paint cookies for directions Click Here...  If you paint unbaked cookies, then sprinkle
                 the painted area with edible white glitter. http://www.thepartyworks.com/cookiefun.htm
                 to make them end up shiny, almost glistening, without altering the color.
              3.Decorating Cookies 101 - Step by step pictured  instructions for decorating cookies.
              4.Cookie Recipes
              5.Frosting Recipes


Cookie Cutters

*Use as napkin rings at your favorite luncheon. Use that design on the napkin rings to make cutout sandwiches.

*Cutout sandwiches, fruit, etc. for children's lunches.

*Cut Jell-O shapes (after it has gelled in the refrigerator).

*Make your own Cookie Bouquets.

*Use as balloon weights for child's birthday party. Let each child take home a balloon with a free cookie cutter. The cookie cutter can match the theme of the child's birthday (western, dinosaur, ballet, zoo, etc.)

*Cookie cutters can be useful as place cards. Attach a piece of paper to the back of the cookie cutter and write the guest's name on the paper. Place the cookie cutter with the name beside or on top of the plate.

*Add to flower arrangements (baby carriage cookie cutter for new babies, house for new home, heart for valetine's day, cross for Easter, etc.)

*Wrap cookie cutter with aluminum foil, leaving top open and fill with cake batter to make mini cakes and let the guests decorate their own special cakes by providing frosting, sprinkles, chocolate chips, mini candies, etc.

*Use as a mold for cheese spreads.

*Use to lightly imprint buttered toast and sprinkle cinnamon sugar inside the imprint.

*Use mini cookie cutters to cut out bell peppers and decorate potato salad.

*Chill and slice butter into pats. Cut with mini cookie cutter and arrange on plate.

*Purchase ice cream in rectangle containers; cut into ½-inch to 1-inch slices; use cookie cutters to make ice cream shapes. Drizzle chocolate for design, sprinkles to decorate, whipped cream, too.

*Attach to a decorative ribbon on a wrapped package for birthdays, holidays, showers, all special occasions as a little something extra - children especially enjoy this!

*Candy Filled Party Favors - Materials needed- Pencil Open-style cookie cutter in desired shape, Lightweight shirtboard, Scissors, Clear tape, Nuts, candys (colored M & M's are great.), Cellophane bags, 8 inches of desired ribbon

Draw around the cookie cutter onto the Shirt Board . Cut out the shape. Tape the shirtboard to the back of the cookie cutter. Fill the cookie cutter with nuts or candies as desired. Leaving treats flat, slide the cellophane bag around the cookie cutter and tie a ribbon bow around the open end of the bag.

For a toddler's birthday, choose a cookie cutter in the shape of the child's age and fill with tiny treats.

To personalize guests' place settings, use alphabet-shaped cookie cutters to spell out names, wrapping each letter separately in plastic wrap.

*Cookie Cutter Crayons- Take the paper off of the crayons and put them in an old saucepan. Or put the crayons in an empty tin can and place the can in a saucepan filled with water. Melt the wax by turning the stove on low heat. Place the cookie cutters on a sheet of aluminum foil. Pour the melted wax into assorted cookie cutters. You may need to hold the cookie cutters down to keep the melted crayons from running out. Wait for the wax to set, then cool, and pop your brand new crayons out.

*Styrofoam Cookie Cutter Stamps - It's easy to do. First, select your favorite metal cookie cutter – a dinosaur, teddy bear, candy cane, rabbit, or other design. Press the cookie cutter into a 1/2" thick sheet of STYROFOAM (the cookie cutters will not cut through a sheet thicker than 1/2"). Remove your shape from the cookie cutter, dip in paint, and stamp away.

*Cookie Cutter Bird Treats - Use the cookie cutters to shape stale bread into various shapes. Poke a small hole in the center of the bread shape (a straw works well!). String the yarn through the hole and tie. Hang outside!

*Cookie Cutter Shaped Soaps - Simple Shaped Soap Bars Make these fancy, shaped bars of soap using cookie cutters. Materials: Mild Bar of Soap (I prefer Ivory) Warm water Cookie cutters

Instructions: Grate 1 cup of soap off the bar. Pour it in medium sized mixing bowl. Start with 1/2 cut of warm water. Pour into the grated soap and knead to mix. Add more warm water, a little at a time, and continue to knead until all soap mixes in and it is the consistancy of thick dough. If you want to make colored bars of soap, mix food coloring in with the water. Once your water and soap is well blended, press mixture into cookies cutters. Set the cookie cutter on it's side so the soap dries on both sides, or flip it often. Put in a dry place to dry for about 24 hours. Gently pop your soap out of the cookie cutter.

*Heart Shaped Mini Pepperoni Pizzas

Ingredients

Pre made pizza dough, Pizza sauce, Pizza cheese, Pepperoni slices, Large heart shaped cookie cutter, (for pizza dough), Small heart shaped cookie cutter (for pepperoni slices)

Cut pizza dough and pepperoni slices into their respective heart shapes. Spread sauce on dough and top with cheese and the pepperoni. Bake until cheese is melted.

*Cookie Cutter Tote Bag- GREAT CRAFT FOR KIDS!

You'll need to have a fabric tote bag (white or off-white is the best), colored fabric pens (lots of colors) and stencils or cookie cutters.

Smooth the fabric of the tote bag before starting (iron if necessary). Trace cookie cutter shapes onto the bag with the fabric pens. Add any freeform drawings to the bag. Finish up by adding the person's name to the bag to personalize it.

*Use apple cookie cutter to create a teacher's Collage Mat Frame.

*Wrap a cookie cutter filled with homemade fudge or Rice Krispies/Marshmallows with cellophane and curly ribbon for party favors and memorable gifts.

*Make fudge or chocolates on a cookie sheet and use cookie cutter to make fun shaped candies.

*Use as a mold for cinnamon dough to make refrigerator magnets.

*Cut out shapes from clay to make a wind chime. (Get the pieces fired at a by-the-hour ceramics shop).

*Cut out ceramic shapes and turn the edges up to make candy dishes. (Fire and glaze).

*Use to make Salt Dough figures.



 
 

*Paint jars, use Gingerbread cookie cutter to trace and cut out of cardstock and print gingerbread cookie recipe on it. Mix up a batch of the dry ingredients for gingerbread cookies and place inside jar, closing top tightly. Add recipe card and gingerbread cookie cutter on some Jute or curly ribbon, wrapping it around the lip of the jar. (This idea can be used to make mini jar party favors).

*Use to holiday cookie cutters to cut figures out of sculptors clay, let dry and paint (great addition to baskets, as gifts, decorate wreaths and trees).

*Hang holiday cookie cutters decorated with ribbon on the tree, wreaths or walls.

*Tie cookie cutters together with velvet, grosgrain, or other ribbon leaving a length of ribbon between each cutter and use as a Christmas tree garland.

*Paint holiday cookie cutters for special effects for a wreath or tree.

*Thank You or Christmas gifts children can make for their teachers: Using holiday cutters, help children make some homemade gifts for their teachers. Place the cookie cutters as flat as you can get them on parchment paper. Melt some white chocolate and pour them into the cutters. Working quickly, add festive sprinkles or M&M's to the melted chocolate in each cookie cutter. Once the chocolate hardens (about 5 minutes?), cut off any extra chocolate that may have oozed out the bottom. Place your creation in a clear cellophane bag, tie it up with a bow and add a homemade gift tag you child has created and written to the teacher.

*Add holiday cookie cutter to ribbon on a wrapped package.

*Wrap a Christmas Tree cookie cutter filled with homemade fudge or Rice Krispies/Marshmallows with cellophane and tie with a curly ribbon.

*Make paper ornaments or wall cut-outs for any occassion.

*Use cookie cutters to spray artificial snow on windows to make holiday decorations.

*Make cinnamon ornaments for an appreciated Christmas gift that will be used all year round. Cut out dough using an apple-shaped cookie cutters, use a straw to punch hole in the top of each ornament before baking them so you can tie some homespun fabric or ribbon in each after they are baked. Kids love them in their rooms because they smell so good, so make theirs in teddy bear or heart shapes! Recipe: 1 lb jar sweetened applesauce and 8 oz cinnamon. Directions: Drain 1# jar of SWEETENED applesauce overnight (you will be amazed at how much water seeps out!!) Add 8 ounces of cinnamon to this and mix together well. Pat into a ball, press hard to solidify and mix. Then pat out in 1 cup units onto wax paper, push to 1/4" thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Let dry.

*Trace onto construction paper or on felt to make holiday wreaths (glue to round Styrofoam form or create your own wreath shape base from construction paper or cardboard. Not just for Christmas, but good for any holiday, including Easter and Thanksgiving.

*Buy two sets of holiday cookie cutters, using one set to make, then decorate a batch of cookies. Wrap each of the cookies individually in plastic wrap. Tie them AND the second set of cookie cutters to a wreath. Add the recipes for the cookies AND the icing. An edible, usable, reusable gift.

*Let children make clay holiday ornaments (use straw to make hole in top before drying or baking for ribbon), glue tissue to the back and decorate, signing their name and date. Great gifts for grandparents, aunts and uncles!

*Christmas Parties: Attach a small tag with a red/green ribbon with party details and one of your tried and true cookie recipes to holiday cookie cutters. Arrange them all in a large wooden bowl as a centerpiece, adding some touches of pine branches and red glass balls. As each guest leaves the party, they can select one as a party favor.

*Hostess a Cookie Baking Party for your friends that want to give cookies as holiday presents or just for their family. Everyone comes with the ingredients for a batch of cookies (amount to be determined by Hostess on invitation) and each guest is responsible for making/baking/decorating these cookies. At end of party, all guests trade cookies and everyone goes home with different kinds and shapes. There is a family where all the ladies get together for a week to make 7,000 cookies between them!

*Tint pancake batter to match the holiday (orange for Thanksgiving pumpkin, green for St. Patrick's Day, red for Valentine's Day, etc., and pour into greased cookie cutters on a hot griddle. Use tongs and caution! Decorate with mini candies, chocolate chips or raisins before turning pancake over.

*Valentine's Day: Wrap a heart-shaped cookie cutter filled with homemade white fudge and decorated with heart-shape confetti candies in cellophane and tie with a curly ribbon.

*Any Holiday: String several (same or different designs) on twine or colored Raffia - knot after the addition of each cookie cutter. (Voila! A festive garland).

*Dye bread to match holiday season and cut with appropriate holiday cookie cutter.

*Let children decorate the outside of the cookie cutter with by wrapping it with ribbon then, place their photo on the inside and a ribbon loop on the top for grandparents to hang it on their Christmas tree.

*Easter: Make Stained Glass Easter cookies by cutting cookies from a tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough which has been rolled out slightly. With a butter knife, have children cut the shape of a cross out of the middle of the cookie. You can also use smaller cookie cutters to cut out a variety of shapes. Place on a cookie sheet and fill the cutout with any type of finely crushed clear hard candy (i.e. butterscotch, root beer etc.) and bake. The results really do look like stained glass!

*Mother's Day: Make pins using jewelry pin backings. Use any cookie cutter shape and trace pattern onto cardstock; let your child decorate; laminate. Add the jewelry pin back to backside. (makes a great gift for grandparents, family, friends and teachers). Variation: Attach to the bottom of the pin little metal rings or mini charms. The charms can be made using the same idea above with cut-out clipart; old greeting cards, etc. -- laminate; punch hole with small device like nail; attach to ring. Add pretend birthstones for each child's birthday to Mom's pin.

*Father's Day: Children can make sturdy paperweights for Dad's desk by a filling cookie cutter with a quick setting concrete mix (available at hardware stores) - use an alphabet cookie cutter with the first initial of Dad's name - or make three letters to spell out "D-A-D". Write a message to Dad or just sign your name. This definitely requires adult supervision.

*Use as forms to make paper machie flowers for Mother's Day (or any other holiday gift or craft).

*4th of July: Shred a bar of soap into a bowl; add enough warm water to make it a thick mixture like Oatmeal cereal. Press this mixture into a star-shaped cookie cutter, letting it dry for several days before pushing it out of the cookie cutter. Also, try adding food coloring for a variety of colors.

*On St. Patrick's Day, use a Shamrock cookie cutter and sprinkle with edible green glitter for the luck of the Irish.

More later